Afghan and Iranian officials discussed economic relations and potential cooperation on major development projects in early October 2026. According to Afghanistan's foreign ministry, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari offered support for the proposed railway linking Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif.
Discussions also covered mining, electricity generation, infrastructure and improving trade connections. Afghan officials emphasised the need to strengthen practical business and transit links between the neighbouring countries.
No final financing agreement, construction schedule or confirmed figure for Iranian investment in the proposed railway was announced at the time. The development is therefore an offer of cooperation and exploratory engagement, rather than the start of a fully funded construction project.